Adios Falcon...:(

[jpd80]

The comments of those that have driven the FPV vehicles suggest that NVH is still an issue, and the Territory is a fair bit heavier than the Mustang (isn't it like 4200lbs or so?)---move that to another platform and you can share a lot between the Falcon & Mustang.

The FPVs are unabashed sports vehicles with stiff suspension and strong "engine character".

The G6E Turbo is far more refined and more to American's taste in NVH - it's silky smooth and quiet,

it's the one Kuzak and Mulally drove and have great affection for. It would pass muster as a US Ford.

 

Whilst the Territory is associate with the E8 Falcon, it is on a different platform E265 where the

parts carryover is around 45%, the floor pan and suspension while similar in design are different.

 

I agree with you, a smaller Falcon could share much more with Mustang and perhaps Lincoln.

In order to protect product individuality, a base architecture could be developed in common and

separate teams used to develop regional cars, that way we would maintain the current vehicles'

best traits but now on common architecture.

 

I'm just curious how Ford will find a way through this, I understand that a small market like Australia

at barely 2% of Ford's global sales cannot hold sway over major product decisions but where there is

a need for a market niche that is being met, I'm sure that everyone from Bill Ford down would bend

over backwards to help a small market like Australia, for that we're truly grateful.

 

I hope the guys do tick the RWD box next year as it is a truly unique opportunity to show the world

how RWD car can be done without bankrupting the company and adding that well known Ford character.

Edited January 12, 2010 by jpd80

[Sherminator98]

So I go and google that quote to see if there's some expression I haven't heard before... and google's already indexed it from "14 minutes ago".

 

 

Horse-Mustang

 

Yank Penny-Lincoln

 

[atvman]

I agree with what is being said here, a midsize Falcon makes a lot more sense for Ford than a fullsize Falcon. Realistically, the Mustang is going to need a new chassis eventually, and I doubt Ford is wanting to go any bigger than the current car. It would make sense for Ford to build the Mustang and Falcon on the same size platform and share parts. Ford could also build a Mercury or Lincoln variant of both the sedan and coupe versions of the platform, which would maximize the volume for profitability. It would also make it possible for the Mustang to make its way down to Australia, I'm sure the Aussies wouldn't mind that.

 

Ford Mustang (Coupe) - 3.7L V6 base, 5.0L V8 GT, 5.0L TT GT500

Ford Falcon (Sedan) - 2.0L EB base, 3.5L EB ST, 5.0L V8 GT

Mercury Cougar (Coupe) - 2.0L EB base, 3.5L EB XR6

Lincoln MKR (Coupe and Sedan) - 3.7L base, 3.5L EB optional, 5.0L TT in performance spec.

 

The Ford and Lincoln models could be globally available, while the Merury Cougar would be U.S. only.

[Blue II]

http://brisbanetimes.drive.com.au/motor-ne...00112-m334.html

 

 

Might as well buy a Camry then...

 

You're absolutely certain?

[92merc]

I agree with you, a smaller Falcon could share much more with Mustang and perhaps Lincoln.

In order to protect product individuality, a base architecture could be developed in common and

separate teams used to develop regional cars, that way we would maintain the current vehicles'

best traits but now on common architecture.

 

I just don't see that happening. Not that I disagree with you. It just ain't happening. Look at the Focus. It's a volume model. It could afford some regional changes. But they didn't. Even the door unlocks are on the center stacks ala Europe. So Alan won't be allowing that much of a difference in cars. If it's good for one, it has to be good for all. One Ring to Rule them All...

[jpd80]

I agree with what is being said here, a midsize Falcon makes a lot more sense for Ford than a fullsize Falcon. Realistically, the Mustang is going to need a new chassis eventually, and I doubt Ford is wanting to go any bigger than the current car. It would make sense for Ford to build the Mustang and Falcon on the same size platform and share parts. Ford could also build a Mercury or Lincoln variant of both the sedan and coupe versions of the platform, which would maximize the volume for profitability. It would also make it possible for the Mustang to make its way down to Australia, I'm sure the Aussies wouldn't mind that.

Ford Aust is really busy this year with the release of the series II FG Falcon by July, the engines have to

comply to Euro 4 which means changes to the I-6, a new 5.0 V8 and Liquid Injection LPG for fleet engines.

On top of that the Ecoboost I-4 Falcon and Territory with new top hat and diesel engine is released later

this year or early 2011.

 

FoA can't begin to look at the next product cycle until they get all of those products delivered so no wonder

the decision has been left until next year. I'm sure they will present a good business case for a vehicles

to fill Australia's changing needs, Falcon still out sells Mondeo by about 6:1 so RWD is still popular.

[Sherminator98]

I'm sure they will present a good business case for a vehicles

to fill Australia's changing needs, Falcon still out sells Mondeo by about 6:1 so RWD is still popular.

 

But also the top selling vehicles in Australia are FWD, many Toyotas....so why doesn't the Mondeo sell better?

[jpd80]

I just don't see that happening. Not that I disagree with you. It just ain't happening. Look at the Focus. It's a volume model. It could afford some regional changes. But they didn't. Even the door unlocks are on the center stacks ala Europe. So Alan won't be allowing that much of a difference in cars. If it's good for one, it has to be good for all. One Ring to Rule them All...

That rule does not apply to niche and regional vehicles, there's still some "wiggle room" under One Ford.

 

RWD vehicles are no longer considered volume product in the same respect as Focus and Fusion

so they play by slightly different rules. Currently, FNA is dividing up work on the next Gen Fusion

and Mondeo between itself and other regions, I can see this situation happening with a future

RWD used for Falcon, Mustang - the top hats and floor pans are so different that you really need

to assign two development teams.

 

The real benefits from common architecture come at the supplier level, not at the manufacturing floor,

so provided a future Falcon/Mustang used common power trains, electrials and suspensions, that's all

that really needs to be done to secure scales of economy.

[jpd80]

But also the top selling vehicles in Australia are FWD, many Toyotas....so why doesn't the Mondeo sell better?

Yaris/Corrola/Camry flog shit out of Fiesta/Focus/Mondeo, buyers in that zone are very price sensitive

and I sense Ford is very volume and product restricted until Thailand manufacturing comes on stream.

Government fleets are moving away from Falcon and Commodore to Corolla and Camry, again price

 

Falcon sells well in it large vehicle sector, it's just that the Fiesta/Focus/Mondeo do very poorly.

Ford Australia are very worried about swapping Falcon for Taurus, they don't want to go 4 for 4.

[2b2]

I agree with what is being said here, a midsize Falcon makes a lot more sense for Ford than a fullsize Falcon. Realistically, the Mustang is going to need a new chassis eventually, and I doubt Ford is wanting to go any bigger than the current car. It would make sense for Ford to build the Mustang and Falcon on the same size platform and share parts. Ford could also build a Mercury or Lincoln variant of both the sedan and coupe versions of the platform, which would maximize the volume for profitability. It would also make it possible for the Mustang to make its way down to Australia, I'm sure the Aussies wouldn't mind that.

 

Ford Mustang (Coupe) - 3.7L V6 base, 5.0L V8 GT, 5.0L TT GT500

Ford Falcon (Sedan) - 2.0L EB base, 3.5L EB ST, 5.0L V8 GT

Mercury Cougar (Coupe) - 2.0L EB base, 3.5L EB XR6

Lincoln MKR (Coupe and Sedan) - 3.7L base, 3.5L EB optional, 5.0L TT in performance spec.

 

The Ford and Lincoln models could be globally available, while the Merury Cougar would be U.S. only.

otoh

if the COUGAR was a 2-door Falcon, they could both be global

[jpd80]

It's funny how articles predicting the demise of the Falcon come out the day before

articles heralding the possible return of Commodore to the USA as a Chevrolet.

 

What happens is that Ford gives the journalists no confirmation on Falcon's future

while GM blurts out pie in the sky plans for Zeta RWDs only to shelve them later.......

 

It's really quite funny and predictable that the pro GM sites start spreading disinformation

to try to distract people from Ford's ever increasing success and the launch of the Focus.

Edited January 12, 2010 by jpd80

[Deanh]

It's funny how articles predicting the demise of the Falcon come out the day before

articles heralding the possible return of Commodore to the USA as a Chevrolet.

 

What happens is that Ford gives the journalists no confirmation on Falcon's future

while GM blurts out pie in the sky plans for Zeta RWDs only to shelve them later.......

 

It's really quite funny and predictable that the pro GM sites start spreading disinformation

to try to distract people from Ford's ever increasing success and the launch of the Focus.

I think this thread should be altered from Adios Falcon to Coming soon, a more modern, better performing UPDATED Falcon....and maybe spice it up with....get ready, its worth waiting for,,,,,GRWD is coming I say......

[NickF1011]

I think this thread should be altered from Adios Falcon to Coming soon, a more modern, better performing UPDATED Falcon....and maybe spice it up with....get ready, its worth waiting for,,,,,GRWD is coming I say......

 

Would be nice! I want a RWD midsize Lincoln!!!! :-D

[jpd80]

I think this thread should be altered from Adios Falcon to Coming soon, a more modern, better performing UPDATED Falcon....and maybe spice it up with....get ready, its worth waiting for,,,,,GRWD is coming I say......

Last month Jim Farley answered a direct question on the Falcon

from similar Aussie journalists regarding whether it was being

discontinued, his reply was, "No way!"

 

The "rumor" is that the next Falcon in July will have a different body and if that's the case,

you watch those same journalists turn right around and gush all over the new bird of prey......

 

A while back, Ford discovered that the corporate v6 doesn't fit under the Falcon's hood, it's too tall.

That would mean the Hood and waist line would have to be raised to accommodate US V6 engines,

changing the whole look of the vehicle. Perfect timing for planning alternative sheet metal.....

[Deanh]

Would be nice! I want a RWD midsize Lincoln!!!! :-D

a few little "slips" by some whom seem/we know to have inside info, leads me to beleive that IS the case.....and the timeframe suits a Mustang refresh as well......2 Falcons one stone?

[twintornados]

....so why doesn't the Mondeo sell better?

Because it's a Mondeo....just ask Jelly.....

[2b2]

I just don't see that happening. Not that I disagree with you. It just ain't happening. Look at the Focus. It's a volume model. It could afford some regional changes. But they didn't. Even the door unlocks are on the center stacks ala Europe. So Alan won't be allowing that much of a difference in cars. If it's good for one, it has to be good for all. One Ring to Rule them All...

with the Focus, Ford could be doing a strict proof-of-concept of the OneFord dictum

and After that, be a bit more flexible about it

&

"Ash Lincoln durbatulúk, ash Mercury gimbatul, ash Ford thrakatulûk agh luune-burzum-ishi krimpatul;

mi Dearbornien man merka-rokko nornoro"

:D

 

 

Ford Aust is really busy this year with the release of the series II FG Falcon by July, the engines have to

comply to Euro 4 which means changes to the I-6, a new 5.0 V8 and Liquid Injection LPG for fleet engines.

On top of that the Ecoboost I-4 Falcon and Territory with new top hat and diesel engine is released later

this year or early 2011.

what a Perfectly WONDERFUL time to visit Australia!!!

 

 

,,,,GRWD is coming I say......

ME TOO!!!!

(tho I wouldn't exactly claim to have a firm grasp on reality...)

 

 

Would be nice! I want a RWD midsize Lincoln!!!! :-D

with an EB-inline-6!!!!!!

 

 

...A while back, Ford discovered that the corporate v6 doesn't fit under the Falcon's hood, it's too tall.

That would mean the Hood and waist line would have to be raised to accommodate US V6 engines,

changing the whole look of the vehicle...

this I have trouble believing

Edited January 13, 2010 by 2b2

[2b2]

oops

Edited January 13, 2010 by 2b2

[Moosetang]

On a related Note

[Blueblood]

You're absolutely certain?

 

Well that's what Mulally said....

[IMSA-XJR9]

Falc'man posted the following on TMS . . .

 

Video

http://au.lifestyle.yahoo.com/sunrise/vide...edded-video-top

 

Ford has quickly hosed-down the latest speculation that tried to spell the end of the local Falcon.

 

The 'One Ford' program announced by Ford's American chief, Alan Mulally at the Detroit Auto show aims to simplify the company's global model lineup - less different nameplates and platforms sold in more countries means lower development and production costs.

 

Ford says, rather than beginning the end of the Falcon, this means future Falcons will be integrated into the global scheme.

 

The logical replacement for the Falcon as Ford's large car in Australia would be the front-wheel-drive Taurus. 'Not so' says Ford - the hot-selling, iconic Mustang coupe is rear-wheel-drive, so the company will continue to develop rear-wheel-drive platforms and the next Falcon could share that platform with the Mustang.

 

According to Ford Australia, with the current FG generation Falcon scheduled to run - with several upgrades and facelifts in the pipeline - for another four years and the Territory SUV slated for production until 2016, the company's future is already being mapped out and is bright.

 

A key plank in that future is the current $230 million investment in new powertrain technologies for the Falcon - including a fuel-efficient four-cylinder engine.

 

Rather than the first chapter in a eulogy for the Falcon, Ford's 'One Ford' program could deliver Australian buyers a new global perspective on design and a platform shared with the Mustang - that would seem to be good news for the Falcon.

[jpd80]

This from Australian Ford Forums:

 

Originally Posted by JPFS1

 

I've seen documentation with our local program and Mustang on under the same code name. It's been in the works for a while I believe, it's now surfacing and I'm sure it's very close to the truth.

 

Very interesting......

Edited January 13, 2010 by jpd80

[OHV 16V]

Can't help but wonder if a mid-size RWD Falcon, sharing both parts and a platform with the Stang in the future, has a much better chance of actually making it stateside. Please Ford, PLEASE!....

[falcman]

Well that's what Mulally said....

That's what the stupid bogan Aussie press said that he said.

 

I think this thread should be altered from Adios Falcon to Coming soon, a more modern, better performing UPDATED Falcon....and maybe spice it up with....get ready, its worth waiting for,,,,,GRWD is coming I say......

+1 Someone change this title.

 

We were given the inside info LAST WEEK (or was the week before?) regarding this matter, by Blue II and wescoent, Re Falcon & Lincoln.

 

I am appalled by our media here (and just about any media for that matter). Complete ignorance - and in the context of what Ford's agenda was at NAIAS - and bordering on disrespect. Stupid.

[jpd80]

Let's hope the US media pick up the real story and Ford comes out and confirms it.